AALIYAH DAVIDSON NAMED 2017 OCAA PLAYER OF THE YEAR
ETOBICOKE, Ont -- At the annual OCAA softball awards banquet, the league announced that Humber's Aaliyah Davidson was named the 2017 OCAA Softball Player of the Year. Davidson is only the second Hawk to ever win the award, joining Humber Hall of Famer Jessica O'Quinn in 2012.
The award, which is considered the most prestigious honour in OCAA softball, is designed to recognize outstanding athletic achievement by female collegiate softball players across the province. This season, Davidson helped lead Humber to its seventh OCAA playoff appearance, where the Hawks will look to win the provincial title for the first time since 2013.
"All of her hard work over the offseason has finally come to fruition," said second-year head coach Duaine Bowles. "I'm glad the league was able to see what I've seen in Aaliyah for the last four years. She's a gifted athlete, and I am extremely happy for her."
A 2016 league all-star, Davidson established numerous career-highs this season, including home runs (3), RBIs (28), hits (22), extra-base hits (15), and slugging percentage (.711).
Notable 2017 performances for Davidson included a six-game hit streak where she collected nine hits, five of which went for extra-bases. On October 17 against Mohawk, Davidson drove in six runs, one shy of the OCAA single-game record.
The Brampton native helped to lead her team to a program record 16 regular season wins, surpassing its total of 15 in 2015.
Along with a certificate from the OCAA, Davidson won a customized Rawlings Pro Preferred softball glove, courtesy of Home Run Sports.
Davidson and the Hawks will now return their focus to the OCAA Championship, which begins Oct. 20 against the Durham Lords (17-7, 2nd OCAA). First pitch is set for 11 a.m. and will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network.
